Newcomers to Huron County describe their first impressions

Canada is welcoming to newcomers, especially in Huron County where they are greeted with smiles and feel at home, but they still face many challenges, a panel of recent immigrants told the annual meeting of the Huron Welcome Hub.

Many of the new immigrants – from countries as diverse as Syria, Morocco and Ukraine – said learning English was the biggest hurdle when they first arrived. For others, it was “too much snow” and difficulties finding medical care, complaints many long-time Canadians also often have.

“There are many challenges, but Canada can help you achieve your dreams,” said Sonia, who was born in Syria. She said that the move has not just meant a new life for her but also for her children and grandchildren.

“I feel warm and safe here,” said Victoria, who lived in Moscow before coming to Canada. “People are so kind and willing to help. It gives you confidence.”

The panel was part of the annual meeting of Huron Welcome Hub, which helps support newcomers to Huron County, at the Huron County Museum in Goderich on April 14. Their stories on how they ended up in this part of Canada were diverse and fascinating. Several had never heard of Huron County before arriving.

Victor said he had a student friend who was in Exeter and suggested it was a good place to settle. Sonia’s brother was in the area. Jannat, from Bangladesh, first came to the Toronto area on a student visa. After graduating, she applied for and won a retail manager position in Goderich.

For most, jobs were a draw and everyone had found work at a variety of area companies, although in many cases their jobs were not the ones they had in their home countries.

“This country gives you a big, big opportunity. But you need to accept you will have to start over (in your career),” said Viktoria, who went from a cleaning job to working as a personal service worker to getting her current position in accounting.

Challenges included dealing with government paperwork and all were concerned about recent changes to immigration levels and rules that have complicated the landscape for many new arrivals.

Some of the participants also suggested that it was unfair to blame immigrants, as sometimes happens, for housing shortages or high unemployment. They suggested that the government needs to deal with these issues in ways other than limiting immigration, which has been proven to enhance and enlarge the economy.

“Canada is beautiful and rich, and it was built by the hands of immigrants,” said Sonia.